Oprah Winfrey Receives the Cecil B. deMille Award - Golden Globes 2018

Summary

In this powerful speech, the speaker reflects on watching Sidney Poitier's historic Oscar win as a young girl and the significance of that moment. She acknowledges the struggles of women across industries who have endured abuse, paying tribute to Recy Taylor and others who fought for justice. Emphasizing the importance of speaking the truth, she highlights the role of the press in revealing injustice and praises the women of the #MeToo movement. She concludes with hope for a new day led by courageous women and men committed to change.

Takeaways

• 👧 Oprah recalls watching Sidney Poitier win the Oscar in 1964, a moment that deeply inspired her as a young girl.
• 🏆 Oprah celebrates becoming the first Black woman to receive the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes.
• 💪 Oprah emphasizes the power of speaking your truth, especially in the context of the #MeToo movement.
• 👩‍🦳 She honors the women who endured years of abuse and assault, especially those who remain unnamed, working in various industries.
• 🎖 Oprah pays tribute to Recy Taylor, a Black woman who was raped in 1944, and whose case was investigated by Rosa Parks.
• ⏳ She declares that 'their time is up,' referring to the era of powerful men silencing women and committing injustices.
• 🚫 Oprah highlights the culture of silence around abuse and how that culture is changing with women speaking out.
• 🙏 She calls for gratitude toward those fighting for justice and truth, especially the press and journalists under siege.
• 🌅 Oprah expresses hope for a brighter future, declaring that a new day is on the horizon thanks to strong women and supportive men.
• 🌍 The speech addresses the broader themes of racial and gender inequality, transcending industries, cultures, and geographies.

Q & A

Who is the speaker of this speech, and where is it taking place?

The speaker is Oprah Winfrey, and she is delivering this speech at the Golden Globe Awards, where she becomes the first Black woman to receive the Cecil B. DeMille Award.

What childhood memory does the speaker recount at the beginning of the speech?

Oprah Winfrey recalls sitting on the floor of her mother's house in Milwaukee in 1964, watching Sidney Poitier win the Best Actor award at the Academy Awards, which was a historic moment for her.

What significance did Sidney Poitier's Oscar win hold for Oprah as a child?

Sidney Poitier's win as a Black man being celebrated on a grand stage was deeply impactful for Oprah, as it represented a moment of racial breakthrough that she had never seen before.

Why does the speaker mention her mother coming home 'bone tired from cleaning other people's houses'?

Oprah uses this image of her mother to highlight the hard labor and sacrifices made by women like her mother, who worked tirelessly to provide for their families while remaining unrecognized and undervalued.

How does Oprah reflect on her own recognition at the Golden Globes?

Oprah feels honored to be the first Black woman to receive the Cecil B. DeMille Award, acknowledging the women who inspired her and those who endured hardship while raising families and chasing their dreams.

What message does Oprah emphasize about the role of the press?

Oprah stresses the importance of the press, particularly in difficult times, for their dedication to uncovering the truth and holding power accountable, especially amid injustice and corruption.

What does Oprah say is the most powerful tool we all have?

Oprah states that speaking one's truth is the most powerful tool everyone possesses, especially in the context of the 'Me Too' movement and survivors of abuse and assault.

Who is Recy Taylor, and why does Oprah mention her?

Recy Taylor was a young Black woman abducted and raped by white men in 1944. Oprah highlights her story to show the long history of racial and gender-based injustice and the courage of women like Taylor in seeking justice.

What connection does Oprah make between Recy Taylor and Rosa Parks?

Oprah notes that Rosa Parks, famous for her role in the Civil Rights Movement, was the lead investigator in Recy Taylor's case, showing Parks’ dedication to justice long before her bus protest.

What is Oprah's message to women and girls watching her speech?

Oprah conveys hope and inspiration, telling girls that a 'new day is on the horizon,' and that with the efforts of many strong women and supportive men, a future without the need for the 'Me Too' movement is possible.